Hidden Toxins: Choosing the Right Water Source

Hydration is essential for health and a necessary self-care habit for everyone. But not all water is the same. Unfortunately, many water sources contain hidden toxins that can be detrimental to our health.

Here are a few of the common toxins that have been found in conventional water sources:

• Chlorine – Drinking chlorinated water can lead to cell damage and respiratory issues. The long term effects of chlorinated drinking water have just recently being recognized. According to the U.S. Council Of Environmental Quality, “Cancer risk among people drinking chlorinated water is 93% higher than among those whose water does not contain chlorine.”

• Fluoride – Fluoride has been added to drinking water in many areas to protect the teeth against cavities. With that being said the National Research Council (2006) said, “it is apparent that fluorides have the ability to interfere with the functions of the brain.” In a review of the literature commissioned by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fluoride has been listed among about 100 chemicals for which there is “substantial evidence of developmental neurotoxicity.”

• Trihalomethanes – Trihalomethanes are formed as a result of chlorination and other disinfection practices and have been linked to increased rates of bladder cancer.

• Aluminium – Aluminium in the water supply has been linked to health issues for those on dialysis as well as a link to dementia.

• Lead – Lead can leach into the water supply from pipes and can cause a range of health issues. Children are at a greater risk than adults. Lead toxicity can lead to brain damage, impaired hearing, decreased growth, damage to the kidneys and bone marrow, cancers, nervous system and blood cell disorders. Symptoms such as headache, poor attention spam, irritability, loss of memory and dullness are the early symptoms of the effects of lead exposure on the central nervous system.

• Arsenic and Chromium– Several epidemiological studies have reported a strong association between arsenic exposure and increased risks of both carcinogenic and systemic health effects. Arsenic exposure affects virtually all organ systems including the cardiovascular, dermatologic, nervous, hepatobilliary, renal, gastro-intestinal, and respiratory systems. Chromium-6 is also found in drinking water and can be carcinogenic.

• Pesticides and Nitrates– Pesticides run off from conventional farming practices and leach into our water supply. With regular exposure these can cause health issues.
  Pesticides are known to be mutagenic which cause DNA damage impacting fertility and contributing to leaky gut, inflammation, cancer…

• Hormones – Hormones like estrogen have been found in water sources and can effect both our drinking water and the natural marine wildlife. Weight gain has been linked to rising estrogen levels and long-term exposure of estrogen in water. One health concern of the chronic consumption of this hormone is that it can affect the sexual development of pre-pubescent teenagers. 

• OTC and pharmaceutical drugs – Like hormones, potentially harmful OTC and pharmaceutical drugs have been found in drinking water.